Welcoming family homestead near Coleraine, VIC

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"When we saw this farm, we had a bit of a laugh because the home looked so big and magnificent, but it was lovely and we thought, 'Wouldn't it be nice to live there?'" Known as Mount Koroite, this homestead in South-West Victoria did more than tickle Megan and Paul Mould's fancy — besides stunning architecture, it was nested in an area with good education opportunities for their children, close proximity to fresh produce markets, and a far easier property to run their cattle stock.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

Megan and Paul with their children, Ava, 10, Millie, eight, and Harry, 14. The family moved to Mount Koroite after farming Hereford beef on their 5000-hectare South Australian property.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

The homestead, originally built in the mid-19th century, is an amalgam of a humble farm build and grand Queen Anne style. These aesthetic imperfections give it character and warmth. A rear courtyard sits between the original 1880s wings.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

Old theatre seats sit under the Kondoolka sign, the farming property where Paul grew up. Both he and Megan were raised in the countryside, and this Victorian homestead reminded them of "that familiar feeling, the same smell that old country homes can have."
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

Family dog Maisy relaxes on the verandah, where the family dines in warmer weather. The cane chair is from Provincial Home Living and the vintage picture theatre seats were one of Megan's Limewash Vintage finds.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

Ornate fretwork arches above a round table that was given to the family by Megan's cousin. "I love having a revolving collection of furniture going through my house, changing it around, putting it in different rooms, and then something else will come along for a few days or weeks."
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

A photograph of one of their last Hereford bulls, by Karla Northcott, hangs above an old pigeon hole cupboard in the kitchen. Megan's love of sourcing homewares and collectables fuels her business Limewash Vintage, which she runs with her sister Sally.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

Megan's permanent attachment to her paintbrush has led to most of the rooms being painted off-white.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

Ava and Millie take their pet poddy calf, Puddles, for a walk out in Mount Koroite. The 966-hectare property is known for its rolling hills, red gum plateau and rich dark soil.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

The girls relax in the cattle yard with Puddles. The children have inherited their love of the countryside.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

While Megan and Dave would have loved to still be living on their old pastoral property, Mount Koroite offers security and the best opportunities for their children.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock

Megan often spends warm days out in the paddock. "We're so fortunate to come to an area with great variety and fantastic welcoming people. We love the whole lifestyle here, and the farm is a pleasure to run," she says.
Photographer: Marnie Hawson

Angus cows in the cattle yards. "Running the same amount of stock on a much smaller property is a lot easier for a family unit," Megan notes.
Photographer: Marnie Hawson

Megan reflects, "I think how lucky we are to be living where we do. It encompasses everything — the beauty and the freedom of the property and the lovely big home for the children to grow up in." For further information on her furniture business, Limewash Vintage, click here.
Photographer: Marnie HawsonStylist: Lee Blaylock